Paul Pogba was almost everywherein FIFA World Cup 2018 semi-final: Didier Deschamps | Football News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Paul Pogba was almost everywherein FIFA World Cup 2018 semi-final: Didier Deschamps

Omnisport, St Petersburg | ByOmnisport
Jul 11, 2018 08:42 PM IST

Paul Pogba was not involved in France’s winner against Belgium in FIFA World Cup 2018 semi-final but worked tirelessly for the team’s cause in St Petersburg, creating three chances in attack while also making four tackles

Didier Deschamps was full of praise for Paul Pogba after the midfielder played a starring role in France’s World Cup semi-final win over Belgium. (Match highlights)

France's coach Didier Deschamps (C) celebrates with France's midfielder Paul Pogba (R) at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2018 semi-final against Belgium at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.(AFP)
France's coach Didier Deschamps (C) celebrates with France's midfielder Paul Pogba (R) at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2018 semi-final against Belgium at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.(AFP)

Samuel Umtiti scored the only goal of the game in the 51st minute as Les Bleus reached a third final, where they will play either Croatia or England on Sunday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

READ | Paul Pogba dedicates France’s FIFA World Cup 2018 final entry to Thai cave survivors

Pogba was not involved in the winner but worked tirelessly for the team’s cause in St Petersburg, creating three chances in attack while also making four tackles.

“All players need to be mentioned but it’s true that Pogba was almost everywhere, not only in attack but he was also efficient in defence,” Deschamps told the media. 

“I think [Belgium coach Roberto] Martinez had decided to put [Marouane] Fellaini on him so Fellaini was only worried about Pogba, so of course he had less freedom on the ball.

READ | FIFA World Cup: Umtiti helps France edge past Belgium to enter third final

“But he knew what to do, he left very little waste. He was more creative in terms of recovery of the ball, one-on-ones, he performed very well.

“Paul has grown in the team, he is a very expressive player. He knows what he has to do and what he does on the pitch can only increase his legitimacy in the group.”

France last won the World Cup in 1998, with captain Deschamps lifting the trophy in Paris after a resounding 3-0 triumph over Brazil in a one-sided final.

He refused to be drawn on comparisons between the successful squad of 20 years ago and the current crop, instead focusing on his desire to write a “new page” in the country’s footballing history.

READ | FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia battle fatigue ahead of England clash

“They have to live in their own time - never, ever mention your own history [in 1998],” he said.

“The players know it. Some of them were not born but they saw pictures. It belongs to other French people who lived through it, but not the younger generation.

“I can’t make comparisons, talk to them about players from 20 years ago, even 10 years ago. I’m here with them today to write a new page in history, the most beautiful page.

“I’m not saying I’m not proud of what we did 20 years ago - no-one can erase that - but one must live in their times. I cannot look and see what is in the rear-view mirror. That is not how you look forward.

“One day I will stop and think about it, but that time has not come yet.”

Catch all the Latest Football matches score updates alongwith EPL 2024 Schedule , ISL 2024 Schedule and other related updates on ISL 2024 Points table on The Hindustan Times website and App
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On